Request a Copy of a Police Report
The Ottawa Police Service is committed to respecting everyone's privacy. We adhere to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).
- Copies of police reports are ONLY available to people involved in the incident or their representatives with consent.
- All third-party information will be deleted from the report.
- Reports will not be released if the investigation is open and ongoing or if the matter is proceeding before the court.
- No information will be released over the telephone.
- Anyone requesting a copy of a police report must provide two pieces of government-issued photo identification.
How to obtain a copy of a motor vehicle collision report
1. For collisions that occurred on or after November 2, 2022 and were reported to a Collision Reporting Centre as directed by the Ottawa Police Service.
Please be advised that as of November 2, 2022, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) has contracted Accident Support Services International Ltd. (ASSIL) to provide Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) services. The purpose of the CRC is to efficiently serve persons who suffer a loss due to a motor vehicle collision and to ensure that the insurance industry is involved from the beginning. The CRC reporting model is supported by Section 199(1.1) of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. ASSIL Agents are not employed by OPS. They are employees of ASSIL who are contracted by OPS to provide a service. ASSIL is responsible for directly releasing collision reports to insurance companies through contractual agreements independent of OPS. Collision reports are submitted to the Ministry directly from ASSIL.
These reports are only available through the Ministry of Transportation (MTO).
2. For more serious collisions where Ottawa Police attended the scene and you were NOT directed to the CRC, please follow the Routine Request process listed below.
3. If your collision occurred before November 2, 2022, please follow the Routine Request process listed below.
All accident reports are also available from the MTO. If you wish to receive a copy of your own collision report, please direct your request to the MTO.
- Visit the ASSIL website or email them at info@accsupport.com.
- Ministry of Transportation
Routine request
A routine request is used if you are requesting information about an incident involving you. For example, a motor vehicle collision, an auto theft, lost passport, break-and-enter, or fire. If you are making this request on behalf of someone else, or for a client (such as lawyers or insurance agencies representing a client), you will also need to submit a consent form (linked below).
To make a request, please include:
- Copies of two pieces of VALID government-issued identification (one must include a photo)
- Routine request form
- Payment
As of May 1, 2023, we are no longer accepting requests for these reports by email. Please download the document below, fill it out, and either:
- Send all of your documents, including the completed form(s), payment and identification, to us through regular mail, or
- Click here to book an appointment to attend our office in person to meet with a Freedom of Information specialist.
If you are looking to complete a records check, please visit this page. If you need information about filing a record suspension application, please visit this page. Please do not use the appointment booking link for a records check inquiry, you will be turned away.
MFIPPA request
You need to make a formal request for information if you are requesting:
- Information about a third party
- Any other police record
To make a request, please include:
- Copies of two pieces of VALID government-issued identification (one must include a photo)
- Formal request form
- Consent form
- Application fee (non-refundable) of $5.00
As of May 1, 2023, we are no longer accepting requests for these reports by email. Please download the documents below, fill them out, and either:
- Send all of your documents, including the completed forms, payment and identification, to us through regular mail, or
- Click here to book an appointment to attend our office in person to meet with a Freedom of Information specialist.
If you are looking to complete a records check, please visit this page. If you need information about filing a record suspension application, please visit this page. Please do not use the appointment booking link for a records check inquiry, you will be turned away.
Submitting your request
The Customer Service Desk is located at 2670 Queensview Drive and is open by appointment to serve you better.
Download the forms you need (that are linked above) and then send them by mail, along with copies of your identification and payment, to complete your application.
You can also request to attend in person to submit your request, but this can be only done by appointment. We currently are not accepting walk-in visits. Click here to book an appointment to attend our office in person.
Appointments are made Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. (closed on all statutory holidays).
If you are looking to complete a records check, please visit this page. If you need information about filing a record suspension application, please visit this page. Please do not use the appointment booking link for a background check inquiry, you will be turned away.
Mail
Due to Canada Post disruptions the OPS FOI Unit is currently accepting deliveries by courier to the below address. If sending by Canada Post, please direct all mail to our PO Box.
By Courier:
Ottawa Police Service
Attention: Freedom of Information Unit
2670 Queensview Drive
Ottawa, ON, K2B 8K1
Or by mail (Canada Post):
Ottawa Police Service
Attention: Freedom of Information Unit
P.O. Box 9634, Station T,
Ottawa, ON, K1G 6H5
- Include your request form, two pieces of government-issued identification, one of which must be photo identification and payment.
- Please address cheques or money orders to Treasurer of the City of Ottawa.
Fees
Effective January 1, 2024
| Type of Report | Fee (including HST) |
|---|---|
|
Motor vehicle collision report |
$237.01* |
|
Motor Vehicle Collision General Occurrence Report |
$70.06 |
|
Collision reconstruction report Detailed report with all associated investigative and technical data |
$2,716.52 |
|
Collision reconstruction summary Generalized one page summary of the collision with all associated investigative and technical data |
$2,165.08 |
|
Scale diagram and measurements Forensically mapped scaled diagram of the collision scene |
$1,357.13 |
|
Scene measurements only X/Y/Z axis measurement data table used to create the scale diagram |
$596.64 |
|
Field sketch and field notes Notes made at the collision scene by Investigators |
$331.09 |
|
Vehicle examination Detailed notes made of involved vehicles by Investigators |
$331.09 |
|
Mechanical examination Notes of a certified mechanic in regard to vehicles mechanical condition |
$242.95 |
|
Crash Data Retrieval download Download of data from the vehicle airbag control module |
$602.29 |
|
General occurrence report List of occurrences |
$70.06 |
|
911 call - redacted audio copy |
$37.29 |
|
Photographs 5x7 |
$5 |
* You can learn more about how to request a copy of a collision report by reviewing the information at the top of this page.
How long will it take to get a copy of a report once it is requested?
Normal processing time from request submission is 4 to 6 weeks. However, if the report is incomplete (still under investigation or before the courts), it will be released to you when it is completed. There may be an additional wait time for archived reports.
Questions?
For questions about the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, please email us at FOIRequests@ottawapolice.ca.
2670 Queensview Drive
Ottawa, ON
K2B 8K1